Warm-water pools, bubbling springs and crystal-clear streams – ready-made for 'tubing' – make this a popular spot for all sorts of aquatic antics.
Landa Park has been a big draw for visitors to San Antonio since 1898, when railway lines first arrived at this pretty little corner of Texas. The reason they came is a happy accident of geology. Natural spring waters flow from these limestone hills – around New Braunfels, 32 kilometres north-east of San Antonio – just where the Guadalupe River idles by. The result is a collection of spring-fed pools, topaz-coloured streams and playful rapids that make for an endless run of watery-fun.
There are seven major springs here, marking the outpourings of underground rivers, bubbling out from limestone cliffs. Together they make the Comal Spring complex. Many come here just to take in their amazing natural spectacle. But at Landa Park, the warm-water springs have also been harnessed for some more adventurous fun.
Rather than rafting, it's 'tubing' that has taken hold here – floating down the spring-fed Comal River on giant rubber rings. And while the twists and turns are exciting, the waters are slow enough to allow kids of all ages to join in the fun in safety. The Guadalupe River itself ups the ante, with more dramatically flowing waters, and a proper rapid experience.
Landa Park also has a spring-fed pool for swimming and paddling in. More conventional aquatic fun can also be had at the Olympic-sized swimming pool. But if getting wet doesn't appeal, there are plenty of land-based activities to hand. Both crazy and conventional golf-courses are available at the Park, as are tennis courts – and have a miniature train to ferry you between them.
If you'd rather just get away from the crowds, an amble along the Panther Canyon Nature Trail may fit the bill. The route picks along the floor of a pretty limestone canyon, home to rare plants and birds – and definitely no panthers! You will, however, discover more about the great rock formations that have helped make this natural wonder such an attraction for over a century.
